Polk City Elementary teacher, Lake Gibson custodian named as finalists for school awards

Polk County Public Schools has announced the first group of finalists for the 2024-25 Polk County Teacher and School-Related Employee of the Year.

In District 7, the Teacher of the Year finalist is Jacqueline Chavira, a second-grade teacher at Polk City Elementary. The finalist for School-Related Employee of the Year is Janet Miller, a night custodian at Lake Gibson High School.

Chavira hosts after-school book clubs and tutoring sessions to help students progress in their studies, according to a description on the district’s website. She also mentors and collaborates with colleagues, and she regularly hosts teacher interns.

Miller is popular with students and the staff at Lake Gibson High for her positivity and smile, the district summary said. She doesn’t hesitate to work overtime or help with special events at school.

District 7 includes schools in Lakeland, Auburndale and Polk City:

• Auburndale Central Elementary
• Auburndale Senior
• Clarence Boswell Elementary
• Combee Academy of Design and Engineering
• Doris Sanders Learning Center
• Lake Gibson Middle
• Lake Gibson Senior
• Lena Vista Elementary
• Polk City Elementary
• Stambaugh Middle
• Tenoroc High
• Walter Caldwell Elementary
• Wendell Watson Elementary

Polk County Public Schools is recognizing finalists from all seven districts, and the overall winners will be announced at the Inspire Awards Nov. 8 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Polk City Elementary teacher, Lake Gibson custodian named as finalists for school awards